David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

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In 1968 Jerry Snell opened a door in the hallway outside our first hour chemistry class. He invited me into what I discovered was a darkroom. Soon I was on the school newspaper and annual staff as a photographer. Later I learned that Jerry was a Lutheran who was planning to become a pastor. A few years later I was not only a Lutheran, but I was heading off to seminary to become a Lutheran pastor, too. Jerry followed a year later and served as a pastor in Missouri until his untimely heart attack and death. I thank God for Jerry and enjoy photography still today – not to mention rejoicing in having served as a Lutheran pastor in congregations in Utah, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas. I’ve retired now and serve part time as a Congregational Support Specialist for the Texas District of the LCMS. I also provide coaching and leadership training through various PLI cohorts and with individual congregations and organizations. David Bahn is a follower of Jesus Christ, husband to Diane, father and grandfather. He is an avid amateur photographer. His photo website is “Flowers by God Photos by David” He also publishes a devotional blog DavidBahn-Reflections.com. He and Diane live in Cypress Texas and enjoy visiting their grandchildren who live in the United States and Germany. He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in 1979, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1991. Diane, his wife, is now retired from PLI (PLIleadership.org). They have offered presentations on Marriage and Ministry Partnership, Leadership, Changing Your Congregation’s Culture, and Missional Living. They look are working with PLI International training pastors and wives of the ELVD Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania. David’s personal mission statement is “Leading people to realize Jesus’ calling and plans for their lives.”

Excuses

What’s your excuse?!? Usually the question is a defiant challenge by one caught in a miscreant deed of some sort. The purpose is to avert attention to someone else. It’s actually a tantamount admission of guilt, but defiant nonetheless: “I’m busted, but so are you. I don’t need (or have) an excuse. Do you?”

"Clematis" © 2010 David Bahn
"Clematis" © 2010 David Bahn

Matthew 11:20-24

Then [Jesus] began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”

Jesus confronts the unbelief of the people of his day in various cities: Chorizin, Bethsaida, Capernaum. But his challenge is neither defiant nor an attempt to turn attention away from himself. This is not only a strong warning and judgment on the people of these cities, but a lament. They had seen so much. They had witnessed God’s favor by Jesus’ hand. They were shown the might, grace, power, and presence of God, and rather than acknowledging his greatness had gone about their daily routine in nonchalant carelessness. It didn’t matter to them.

We may experience a miracle of healing, a changed life, or a timely rescue that only God could provide. Or we may simply see a beautiful flower bloom before our very eyes. In any case Jesus calls us to take note – to see his hand at work in our lives each day and give thanks to him for the blessings we receive.

The truth will come out. Realty will be seen for what it is. Will we be repentant now, or profoundly, viscerally, and eternally sorry when that happens? No excuses will avail then; we will either find joy and hope in Jesus or experience the comeuppance of our wayward ways. I am looking to Jesus. I hope you are too.

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